Mobility Exam Preparation | Complete Exam
Questions with 100% VERIFIED Answers &
WELL DETAILED Rationales | Nursing Entrance
Test Prep | Latest Updated 2026 | A+ Graded
Q1. A nurse is assisting a patient with repositioning. Which action best demonstrates
proper body mechanics?
A. Twisting the spine while moving the patient B. Keeping feet close together for balance C.
Bending at the knees and keeping the back straight ✓ CORRECT D. Pulling the patient
rapidly to reduce strain
RATIONALE: Proper body mechanics include bending at the knees and keeping the
back straight to protect the lumbar spine and reduce injury risk. Twisting, keeping feet close
together, and rapid pulling all increase risk of musculoskeletal injury to the nurse.
Q2. Which position is most appropriate for a patient experiencing respiratory distress?
A. Prone position B. Supine position C. High Fowler's position (90°) ✓ CORRECT D.
Trendelenburg position
RATIONALE: High Fowler's position maximizes lung expansion by allowing the
diaphragm to descend and improving ventilation. Supine and prone positions restrict breathing;
Trendelenburg increases diaphragmatic pressure.
Q3. Which nursing action helps prevent external hip rotation in a bedridden patient?
A. Elevate the head of the bed to 45° B. Place a trochanter roll from the iliac crest to mid-
thigh ✓ CORRECT C. Apply a footboard at the end of the bed D. Place a pillow under the
knees
RATIONALE: A trochanter roll placed from the iliac crest to mid-thigh prevents
external rotation of the hip by providing lateral support. A footboard prevents footdrop; pillows
under knees help prevent knee extension contractures.
,Q4. A nurse is turning a patient from supine to a lateral position. Which technique is
correct?
A. Turn the patient away from the nurse B. Use a drawsheet and cross the patient's arms over
the chest before rolling toward the nurse ✓ CORRECT C. Leave the patient's arms at the
sides during the turn D. Roll the patient rapidly to minimize discomfort
RATIONALE: Correct technique uses a drawsheet for support, crosses the patient's
arms over the chest to reduce arm injury, and turns the patient toward the nurse. Crossing the far
leg over the near leg before turning also aids the maneuver.
Q5. Which position is used to prevent hip flexion contracture in a patient on bed rest?
A. Semi-Fowler's position continuously B. Prone position for part of each day ✓ CORRECT
C. Lateral position with a pillow between knees D. Supine with knees elevated on a pillow
RATIONALE: Placing the patient prone periodically each day stretches the hip flexors
and prevents hip flexion contractures. Semi-Fowler's and supine with knees elevated encourage
hip flexion. Lateral with a pillow between knees prevents adductor contractures.
Q6. Which position is contraindicated for a patient with increased intracranial pressure
(ICP)?
A. Head of bed elevated 30° B. Trendelenburg position ✓ CORRECT C. Lateral position with
neck in neutral alignment D. Semi-Fowler's position
RATIONALE: Trendelenburg position increases ICP by promoting cerebral venous
pooling. Head-of-bed elevation at 30° with neutral neck alignment facilitates cerebral venous
drainage and is the recommended position.
Q7. A nurse is repositioning a dependent patient in bed. How often should the position be
changed to prevent pressure ulcers?
A. Every 15–30 minutes B. Every 2 hours ✓ CORRECT C. Every 4–6 hours D. Once per shift
(every 8 hours)
RATIONALE: Current evidence-based guidelines recommend repositioning immobile
patients at least every 2 hours to relieve pressure on bony prominences and restore perfusion.
High-risk patients may require more frequent repositioning.
,Q8. When repositioning a patient to the lateral position, which bony prominences must be
assessed for pressure injury?
A. Sacrum, heels, trochanters, and malleoli ✓ CORRECT B. Shoulders and elbows only C.
Head and neck only D. Knees and wrists only
RATIONALE: The most common pressure injury sites in lateral/supine positions
include the sacrum, heels, greater trochanters, malleoli, elbows, and scapulae. All these areas
must be inspected each time the patient is repositioned.
Q9. A patient is placed in the Trendelenburg position. Which condition is this position used
for?
A. Respiratory distress B. Hypovolemic shock ✓ CORRECT C. Increased intracranial pressure
D. Post-cardiac surgery recovery
RATIONALE: Modified Trendelenburg (legs elevated, body flat) improves venous
return to the heart in hypovolemic shock. It is contraindicated in respiratory distress, increased
ICP, and generally avoided post-cardiac surgery.
Q10. A nurse is performing a log-roll technique on a patient post-spinal surgery. What is
the primary purpose of this technique?
A. To stimulate circulation B. To maintain spinal alignment by turning the body as one unit
✓ CORRECT C. To prevent skin breakdown D. To reduce patient anxiety during repositioning
RATIONALE: Log-rolling keeps the spine in a neutral, straight alignment during
repositioning by turning the head, shoulders, trunk, hips, and legs simultaneously as one rigid
unit, preventing twisting or flexion of the operative spine.
Q11. Which intervention prevents pneumonia in an immobile patient?
A. Restrict oral fluid intake B. Turn, cough, and deep breathe every 2 hours; use incentive
spirometer ✓ CORRECT C. Maintain patient in supine position continuously D. Limit visitor
contact
, RATIONALE: Turning every 2 hours, encouraging deep breathing and coughing, and
using an incentive spirometer mobilize secretions and expand collapsed alveoli, preventing
hypostatic (immobility-related) pneumonia.
Q12. To prevent a hip flexion contracture following a right below-knee amputation, the
nurse should:
A. Keep the knee in a flexed position on a pillow B. Position the residual limb flat and
encourage knee extension exercises ✓ CORRECT C. Always keep the patient in a wheelchair
with the knee bent D. Elevate the foot of the bed at all times
RATIONALE: After below-knee amputation, a hip or knee flexion contracture prevents
proper prosthetic fitting. The residual limb must be kept flat (not elevated on pillows), and
regular extension exercises are essential.
Q13. A patient with burns on the anterior neck is at risk for which positional complication?
A. Extension contracture B. Flexion contracture ✓ CORRECT C. Lateral rotation D.
Hyperextension
RATIONALE: Burns on the anterior neck heal with scar contraction that pulls the neck
into flexion. Maintaining the neck in extension via splinting or positioning prevents this
contracture. Position opposite to the anticipated deformity.
Q14. A nurse is applying a gait belt before ambulating a patient. Where should the belt be
placed?
A. Around the patient's chest B. Snugly around the patient's waist over clothing ✓
CORRECT C. Around the patient's hips D. Around the patient's thighs
RATIONALE: The gait belt is placed snugly around the waist over clothing — not
directly on skin. This gives the nurse a secure grip to guide and stabilize the patient. Chest
placement restricts breathing; hip or thigh placement is unsafe.
Q15. Which nursing intervention helps prevent constipation in an immobile patient?